Most people rinse their mouth out with water directly after they have finished brushing, but the truth is that this may be counterproductive to your oral care routine. Continue reading to learn why and to find out more about some other shocking and useful dental truths.
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Wait to Rinse
If you’re like most people, you probably reach for a cup of water to rinse your mouth as soon as you have finished brushing your teeth. Many people are left with a foamy substance in the mouth after brushing that they like to rinse away with water. The truth is that you may want to change up your routine just a bit to get the best results out of your oral care.
Toothpaste contains fluoride, a natural mineral that strengthens and protects the outer layer of enamel. When you brush your teeth, you are not only removing plaque and other debris from the teeth – you are also applying fluoride to help strengthen the teeth and encourage their general health.
When you rinse with water directly after brushing, any excess fluoride that has been left on the surface of the teeth will also be rinsed away. In order to get the most out of your hygiene routine, it is best to wait a small period of time before rinsing your mouth out.
Bleeding After Brushing or Flossing
Contrary to popular belief, any amount of bleeding – large or small – after brushing or flossing is not normal and is usually an indication of gingivitis or another oral condition.
Gingivitis is an infection of the gum tissues, caused by bacterial growth that occurs as a result of poor dental hygiene. Symptoms include red or swollen gums that are usually accompanied by bleeding after brushing, flossing, or simply touching the gums.
Thankfully, gingivitis can be reversed with timely treatment. If the condition is allowed to progress without professional treatment, it will develop into gum disease. Gum disease is quite serious, can not be reversed, and can lead to various different health issues.
If you have noticed some bleeding in your gums after brushing or flossing, be sure to alert your dentist right away.
Root Canals: Not as Bad as You May Think
While root canals tend to be painted in quite a negative light on television and in the movies, root canals are not nearly as painful or miserable as most people assume them to be.
Root canals are simply fillings that extend into the central canal of the tooth. When decay has penetrated the tooth to the center and exposed the central nerve, an infection is quite common. In order to save and restore the tooth, a root canal is done.
During a root canal, the dentist removes all decay, removes the damaged central nerve, and fills the entirety of the tooth with a synthetic material before closing off with a filling. After the root canal is finished, the tooth is covered with a dental crown to protect it from further damage or decay.
It is quite rare to experience pain during a root canal, as your dentist will ensure that your mouth is fully numb before starting the procedure. In fact, most people report feeling much better after they have their root canal completed, as it removes the infection from the tooth.
Dental X-Rays Are Perfectly Safe
The x-rays that your dentist has taken of your teeth are an essential part of your treatment; they help determine the health of the teeth and bones. In many cases, damage or decay may not be physically visible inside the mouth, and the patient may not even experience pain or discomfort in their teeth until it is too late.
Dental x-rays allow your dentist to take a comprehensive look at the teeth. If any damage, decay, infection, or other issues are present, the x-rays will allow your dentist to quickly identify them.
Many people feel a bit of apprehension when asked to undergo dental x-rays, but the truth is that they are perfectly safe. Dental x-rays do emit radiation, but when the patient is equipped with protective gear, they receive less radiation during a set of dental x-rays than they do riding in an aeroplane.
Brushing Harder Isn’t Brushing Better
One common misconception is that the more pressure you apply while brushing, the cleaner your teeth will be when you finish. The truth is that when you apply a large amount of pressure while brushing, you are actually placing your teeth and gums at risk.
Excessive force while brushing has the potential to erode the protective layer of enamel on the teeth. This may in turn lead to increased sensitivity and place the teeth at a higher risk for developing cavities.
It may also lead to gum recession, as excessive force may push the gums back from their natural positions. This in turn may allow bacteria to become trapped between the tooth and gum, which will eventually lead to the recession of both the gums and bone that surround the teeth.
To avoid this, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and apply a medium amount of pressure while brushing. If you need some pointers on how to properly and safely brush your teeth, your dentist or dental hygienist will be happy to help.
FY Smile: Your Local Dentist in Double Bay, Sydney.
If you’re in the Double Bay area and searching for the “best dentist near me”, search no longer. For the most comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry in Sydney, put your trust in FY Smile.
Your journey towards the beautiful smile of your dreams starts here. FY Smile is proud to operate as an official Digital Smile Design clinic; our team of experts will work with you to design a beautiful smile that naturally complements your features and provides you with priceless confidence.
For more information about dental treatment in Sydney or to make an appointment at our Double Bay dental office, give us a call anytime at 02 8319 5557.
